Atlanta 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Atlanta 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney Overview
The moment you pull onto the I-285 beltway, I-20, I-75, or any of the other highways that loop around Atlanta, you’re likely to encounter several 18-wheelers.
On average, those trucks haul around 55.5 million tons of freight every day, and the vast majority of those picks ups and deliveries happen as a matter of routine.
Unfortunately, when certain drivers face difficult schedules and long hours, or experience a mechanical issue with the truck while driving, it can result in a devastating collision. If you’re the unfortunate victim of a collision with a commercial vehicle, you’re going to need help to seek the compensation you’re entitled to due to that truck driver’s negligence.
Speaking with an experienced Atlanta 18 wheeler accident lawyer can provide you with the answers to your many questions and help you make the right decision about what should happen next. The legal team at Bey & Associates can help fight for you.
Our lawyers understand how a truck accident can put your life on hold. When you’re wondering about who to turn to, we’re here for you. We’ve helped 18 wheeler accident victims get justice in the past and we’re ready to do the same for you, whether that’s reaching a settlement or taking your case to court.
How Do 18 Wheeler Accidents Happen?
At the start of filing a claim against a truck driver and the company that hired them, it’s crucial to determine how your accident happened. There are many reasons why an 18 wheeler accident can occur. Consider the following:
Trucker Error
When a driver is inexperienced, distracted, or fatigued, they can make a mistake that causes an accident. This can include failing to use their signal, speeding, or not paying attention to the road. It is even worse when they are driving while intoxicated.
If the truck driver was at fault for your accident, your 18 wheeler accident lawyer will look into their training, experience, and the events that led up to the accident. For example, if the truck driver was texting and driving, we might find evidence from the truck’s dashboard cameras to show that their negligent behavior is why the accident happened.
Truck Malfunction
If there’s an issue with a truck part, the driver may not realize it until already on the road, leading to brake failure, a tire blowout, or other mechanical issues.
The truck company is supposed to maintain its vehicles and make sure they’re road-ready, but some companies may cut corners to get vehicles on the road and keep distribution moving. In other cases, the manufacturer of the truck part could have produced a defective product. No matter which situation, our lawyers are here to help you hold the right party accountable.
Cargo Shifting
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has very specific rules when it comes to the proper way to secure cargo. Often, the truck driver does not pack the cargo. That is handled by an independent cargo loading crew. However, the truck driver is responsible for maintaining that cargo. If improper securement causes the cargo to shift, it can lead to an accident. In those scenarios, the truck driver and the cargo loading crew could be held accountable.
Atlanta Personal Injury Practice Areas
Medical Malpractice
Every time we enter the doors to a hospital, doctor's office, or other medical facility, we expect safe, competent care. When that doesn't happen, you deserve answers.
Car Accidents
A car wreck can change your life in the blink of an eye. If you’ve been seriously injured because of another driver’s negligence, you need help now.
Truck Accidents
Large truck and commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents we see across the United States and in Georgia.
Wrongful Death
The unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most traumatic experiences a family can go through. When the death should have been prevented, the loss devastating.
Work Injuries
If you’ve been seriously injured while on the job, you’re likely already aware that your employer doesn’t make providing for your family a simple task.
Nursing Home Abuse
Even if you’re confident you’ve found a safe environment for them, it’s important to remember that there are negligent care facilities that abuse their residents.
Common Types of 18 Wheeler Crashes
As mentioned above, there are a few different causes of truck accidents. There are different categories that describe the position of the 18 wheeler during and after the collision. 18 wheelers can weigh up to 30 times more than regular-sized vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which means that some of the types of large truck wrecks can cause serious damage to the passenger vehicle involved.
These are the different types of crashes that 18 wheelers get into:
Jackknife
When a tractor-trailer needs to make a sudden movement, like turning or braking, the trailer can swerve from behind the tractor and form an L-shape. This is called a jackknife, and is dangerous because the truck driver loses control and the trailer could swing and hit cars and other trucks.
Override
When a truck doesn’t stop in time behind a regular-sized car, it can get into an override accident where the front of the truck runs into the back of the car, and can sometimes even drive on top of the car in front of it.
Underride
Similar to override accidents, underride accidents are the opposite. When an 18 wheeler is stopped and a car behind it can’t stop in time, the car can crash into the trailer and drive under it. This can be deadly to the driver of the car because the trailer can come through the engine and into the driver’s area.
Blind Spot
When a car is traveling in one of an 18-wheeler’s blind spots, a collision can easily happen if the car or the truck makes a wrong move. Blind spots exist in front, back, and sides of a tractor-trailer, and when a car lingers in one of those areas, a trucker can’t see it and doesn’t know to avoid the car.
Rollover
If an 18 wheeler brakes or turns too quickly, it can roll onto its side, which is why it’s called a rollover accident. These wrecks are especially dangerous for the truck driver because their cab also rolls over onto its side, and it can make it impossible to get out.
As a driver, there are a few tips you can follow to reduce your chances of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident.
Injuries That Can Result from an 18 Wheeler Accident
According to FMCSA, there were 9,292 crashes involving large trucks and buses in Georgia in 2025. These accidents can also result in severe injuries. Because of a big rig’s size and weight, the injuries are often catastrophic.
Possible injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fractures and sprains
- Spinal cord injury
- Loss of Limb
- Organ Damage
Catastrophic injuries often have permanent consequences that can affect how the person lives their life. They may have a disability, not be able to return to work, and require extensive future medical care. Sometimes, medication or medical equipment could be necessary to maintain quality of life.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, it’s essential for you to get full and fair compensation for your injuries. That’s where our attorneys can step in and help you with your truck accident claim.
Find the Help You Need Near You
With locations from coast to coast, it’s easy to get support in your area. Choose your location, reach out, and we’ll take it from there.